Though Black Up by Shabazz Palaces was not reviewed for Letters From A Tapehead, I did try and give the release some ink. I haven’t heard the album in its entirety, though I still mean to, but every song I have heard has been either very interesting or just well crafted. Verses with content, decent loops or at least melodic samples. All of this seems so rare in hip-hop nowadays, though I’m the first to admit some ignorance with regard to whatever’s happening on the streets, which is where you find real hip-hop anyway. All info comes courtesy of Sub Pop. SHABAZZ PALACES ANNOUNCE NEW TOUR DATES & VIDE FOR “ARE YOU…CAN YOU…WERE YOU...? (FELT) 2011 was a stellar year for Seattle’s Shabazz Palaces, the sonic movement of Palaceer Lazaro ( Ishmael Butler ). The debut release, Black Up , was one of the most critically celebrated records of 2011, landing of the Best of lists at SPIN, LA Times, The New Yorker, Pitchfork and more. Shabazz Palaces has no plans to slow down in ...

Details about the Ufomammut 's upcoming two-chapter Oro series have emerged. All info comes courtesy of Earsplit PR. Ufomammut's 2010 ode to Eve was reviewed at Stereokiller . UFOMAMMUT Reveal Details For First Chapter Of Two-Part Neurot Debut More details on Oro: Opus Primum – the first installment of the new two-album series from Italy’s supernatural doom sorcerers, UFOMAMMUT — have this week been confirmed. Already known for their attention to detail with each release, including meticulous, quality artwork and packaging as expansive and layered as every obliterating UFOMAMMUT release is musically, this time they take it one notch higher and have completed a massive two-part album, set for release months apart. Now confirmed for release in the UK on April 9th, throughout the rest of Europe on April 13th, and in North America April 17th, this week the artwork and track listing for the incredibly anticipated first installment of the series — Oro: Opus Primum — have been u...

Swans ' Michael Gira has attached his name to a new album from 90s noise band, Chrome Cranks .  Their first new album since 1997's Love In Exile , Ain't No Lies in Blood is currently out.  So, here's a song from the album that will hopefully inspire you to go out, tap your resources and pick it up. Info comes to you courtesy of Howlin' Wuelf Media. Since the 2009 reactivation of the classic 1990s lineup of the Chrome Cranks fans have been grinding their teeth for a new album of the influential New York band's volatile, high-octane blasts. In these chokingly bleak, post-ironic times there simply aren't any other acts out there like the Cranks, who play unapologetically confrontational, utterly incendiary rock 'n' roll like they mean it with every poisoned pore. Like few bands before or since, the foursome-singer/guitarist Peter Aaron , guitarist William G. Weber , drummer Bob Bert , and bassist Jerry Teel -simultaneously embraces and destro...

Pop. 1280 The Horror Sacred Bones Released: 1.24.12 No Ripcord review Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

So, here’s one I missed in 2011: Hazed Dream by Psychic Ills . 2012 will see tour dates from the group as well a SXSW appearance. All info comes courtesy of Life or Death PR & Management. PSYCHIC ILLS ANNOUNCE CO-HEADLINING TOUR W/ PRINCE RAMA Photo by: Dalton Flint New York City's Psychic Ills returned after a brief break with 2011's Hazed Dream , their debut record for Sacred Bones. Hazed Dream is a long stony trip, the album boasts their classic psych guitar riffs and also drone, organs and most importantly, the album is a return to songwriting. Psychic Ills have taken bits and pieces of their previous work and expanded their ideas into their most accessible album to date. So, take a hit and wander with Psychic Ills this spring when they hit your town with always joyful duo, Prince Rama. PSYCHIC ILLS HAZED DREAM ! AVAILABLE NOW ! SACRED BONES 1. Midnight Moon 2. Mind Daze 3. Incense Head 4. Mexican Wedding 5. That's Alright 6. R...

The Devil's Blood The Thousandfold Epicentre Metal Blade Records Released: 1.17.12 Stereokiller review Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

An official video for Mark Lanegan 's excellent new single, "The Gravedigger's Song," is now out and viewable.  Blues Funeral , his first album to be released since 2004's very necessary LP, Bubblegum , will out February 6th.  Expect a review to be featured at Kicking Against The Pricks. Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

Brooklyn four-piece, The Men , (as bad a band name as Girls or Women ), are releasing an album in March dubbed, Open Your Heart .  The title track has surfaced online and it's a well-honed piece of melody-infused garage punk, enough distortion to offset the dangers of injecting pop-friendly notes into an intentionally alienating musical subgenre. All links are provided by Life Or Death PR & Management.  All opinions about their band name, are from me.   THE MEN PREMIERE "OPEN YOUR HEART" VIA NPR EUROPEAN TOUR & US TOUR DATES THE MEN ARE "RISING" via PITCHFORK photo by: Kevin Faulkner The Men are pleased to share their first single, "Open Your Heart", which is off their genre bending album, Open Your Heart . Over the last three years, The Men have dabbled in everything from hardcore punk to psych to shoegaze to black metal; and they have done all of it effortlessly, and for the most part, flawlessly. Totally removed from t...

Leonard Cohen is 77 years old.  His is a singing style he's managed to carry through decades, his voice a bass conversational delivery that requires the least amount of melody to work.  Here, Cohen sings "The Darkness," a country-blues song as timeless as any, but better than most, (which, of course, applies to the genre's more recent manufacturing of pop-riddled, disposable, line-dancing shit). Cohen's new album, Old Ideas , is out today. Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

Artist, Tim Biskup , animated and directed Mastodon 's latest video for the song, "Dry Bone Valley," their latest single from 2011's The Hunter .  A teaser is available though the video itself won't premiere until 4PM, left coast time. The Hunter was reviewed at No Ripcord . Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

“No Future/No Past,” the new single from Cloud Nothings ’ upcoming new album, Attack On Memory , has been circulating online alongside a new video produced by Urban Outfitters. Much as I’m not one to promote the criminally opportunistic tendencies of Urban Outfitters, as the organization has been known to acquire , mimic and plagiarize independent artists on more than a few occasions, the video for Cloud Nothings’ new track is compelling to watch, the sole actor hovering over a selection of ground, flooring or pavement before he is ultimately pulled into the sky. His face is scarily emotive and those sections of the song where emotion is heightened, volume is upped and attention is demanded seem enhanced by his performance. Attack On Memory is available to stream before release, which is tomorrow, January 24th. All info, links and concert dates come courtesy of Life Or Death PR & Management. Hopefully, if there’s any money to be made off this video, Urban ...

As formats have evolved over the years and listeners have grown accustomed to new methods of listening, absorbing and consuming music, it's been remarkable how physical formats have fought to maintain relevancy while the trends have been pushing mightily to cancel them out.  Compact discs are not gone yet.  Vinyl?  A resilient presence in the market that's been enjoying a high level of collector appreciation.  And cassettes.  I've been seeing more and more cassettes. Based on assumption, purely assumption as I've not delved fully into the reasoning behind any cassette renaissance, (which owes itself to such a small population of music lovers anyway, I'm not even sure a cassette resurgence could even as a "renaissance"), cassettes seem to be where vinyl was in the 90s.  Remember when Pearl Jam appealed to nostalgia with "Spin the Black Circle?"   The market was driven mostly by CD buyers and, though they didn't hush the vinyl market comp...

I'm listening to Beauty Pill 's newest single, "Afrikaner Barista," both completely mesmerized and excited to hear something new from this band after their eight-year hiatus.  In addition to the new song, an interview is available featuring a conversation with BP singer/songwriter, Chad Clark , about Beauty Pill's Immersive Ideal project and the band's decision to write and record music in public view at Arlington museum, Artisphere.  All information and links come courtesy of Terrorbird Media. Beauty Pill Premieres New Track At 99% Invisible; In-Depth Band Interview Available For Download   Immersive Ideal Project Running Through January 22 At DC's Artisphere Listen/Download: Beauty Pill Feature via 99% Invisible L isten: "Afrikaner Barista" via Soundcloud 99% Invisible is running a feature about Beauty Pill and the band’s current Immersive Ideal project. The team at 99% Invisible sat down with Beauty Pill’s Chad Clark for an in-depth con...

No Auto-Tune or tweaks.  No Pro Tools or polish.  Just soul, finesse and talent.  The kids have nothing on you, Etta James .  R.I.P. Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

spielgusher s/t Clenchedwrench/Org Music Released: 1.17.12 Legendary ex- Minuteman Mike Watt has had his name attached to four albums in two years, (if I’m not mistaken or missing anything): the jazz-quartet debut of Floored By Four , his own third punk opera, Hyphenated-Man , dos ’ latest album with Kira Roessler and now the spoken word/art rock mutation, spielgusher , aided by the witticisms and prosaic vocal spew of rock critic, Richard Meltzer . If “econo” truly is the yardstick by which Watt continues to create music, this term doesn’t seem to apply to the man’s prolificacy. The spielgusher concept was apparently born late in the Minutemen’s run, Watt and singer/guitarist D. Boon both Meltzer enthusiasts. Meltzer proposed the collaboration and sent along lyrics, or “spiels,” and even planned to add saxophone music. But, as the story unfortunately went, D. Boon passed away and the Minutemen ceased to be. The project was put on hold indefinitely. Watt revisited the idea ...

I just watched a video of Talib Kweli and Mos Def (having difficulty buying into his Yasiin Bey switchover) performing as Blackstar on stage with the cast of FELA! , a theater piece based on the legendary Fela Kuti .  FELA! is touring around the world and garnering a significant amount of praise.  In the meantime, the Fela catalogue has been reissued by Knitting Factory Records. All info, links and videos come courtesy of Life of Death PR & Management. KANYE WEST, PRINCE, MOS DEF, TALIB KWELI, STEVIE WONDER, AND NAS ALL COME OUT TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF FELA KUTI AT FELA! THE MUSICAL FELA! THE MUSICAL CONTINUES TO TOUR. GET TICKETS HERE KNITTING FACTORY RECORDS REISSUES FELA CATALOGUE. GET ALBUMS HERE . In the past few weeks, musical legends Nas , Prince , Stevie Wonder , Kanye West , Mos Def , Talib Kweli , Quincy Jones , LL Cool J , Ziggy Marley , and Smokey Robinson have led standing ovations at FELA! , which is now thrilling audiences at Los Ange...

Earth Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light II Southern Lord Recordings Released: 1.17.12 Stereokiller review Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

In observation of today's massive online Blackout that's being held in protest of the two pieces of online legislation known as the STOP ONLINE PIRACY ACT (SOPA) and the PROTECT IP ACT (PIPA), Letters From A Tapehead will be inactive.  Imposed limitations on free speech by corporate standards on copyright infringement will potentially lead to a censored Internet and can make any content driven site susceptible of accusation without the benefit of due process.  Though I believe Internet piracy to be damaging to the independent musicians, labels and markets that I've staunchly advocated over the years, SOPA and PIPA would likely stifle the efforts of these independent entities, many of whom utilize the online world to promote themselves, their art and businesses outside the realm of mainstream media. Please view the posted links and speak out against SOPA and PIPA.  PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo . "A Technical Ex...

Whistle Peak Half Asleep Upon Echo Falls Karate Body Records Released: 2.14.12 No Ripcord review Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

A review of Shining 's upcoming live album/DVD, Live Blackjazz , is in the works and will be available for perusal at No Ripcord.  In the meantime, a clip from Live Blackjazz is available online along with the band's first official video from their 2010 studio album, Blackjazz , for the song, "Fisheye." All info and links come courtesy of Terrorbird Media. A review of Shining's Blackjazz album was posted at No Ripcord in 2010. SHINING to release live album and concert film next week and premiere new video"Exit Sun" WATCH: Exit Sun (from Live Blackjazz) WATCH: new video for Fisheye from 2010's Blackjazz WATCH: Live Blackjazz trailer "If Blackjazz was a progressive metal masterpiece, Live Blackjazz takes it one step further, with the unfettered power and unrelenting energy of live performance. One warning: advance heart exams mandatory for those over forty." - All About Jazz "melding one of their country's biggest ex...

Taken from le zornographe : Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

If you're not already aware, Corrosion Of Conformity 's Animosity line-up, which haven't recorded together in over ten years, are reunited and releasing a new self-titled album February 14th via Candlelight Records.  Two new songs have surfaced online, so check out the links.  All info comes courtesy of Earsplit PR. CORROSION OF CONFORMITY Premiere Two New Tracks From Forthcoming Album Candlelight Records, together with partners Decibel Magazine and Pitchfork Media, today premiere songs from the forthcoming new album from CORROSION OF CONFORMITY. Produced by John Custer , the self-titled album is the first new recording from the North Carolina-based band in six years and is the first to feature material written by the esteemed Animosity trio in over a decade. Available now for listening, Decibel Magazine is streaming “The Doom” while Pitchfork Media is streaming the album’s closer “Time Of Trials.” Each song showcases the band’s unique sound and continued commitm...

Earth ’s upcoming sequel to their very excellent 2011 release, Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light I , will be out February 14th. Spin Magazine (“Stop trying to be relevant.”) has posted “His Teeth Did Shine Brightly,” which is the second track from AODDOL II . What you hear is a sense of expansion in terms of play and less repetition, improvisational tendencies taking more of a role in Dylan Carlson ’s rather epic, dirt-encrusted musical tundra. Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light II will be reviewed at Stereokiller in the coming weeks. In the meantime, listen to the song and absorb some of the info on the album which has been generously provided by the great people at Earsplit PR. Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light I was reviewed in 2011 at No Ripcord . EARTH: Spin Magazine Premieres New Track From Contemporary Legends   Following the release of EARTH's praised Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light I -- released by Southern Lord in February 2011 -- the publi...

I'm too familiar with the off-key noise rock blues of Australia's feedtime , though after hearing a few songs I'm more than interested in becoming better associated with their output.  Sub Pop will be releasing a 4 CD or LP compilation documenting their years with Aberrant Records and have provided all the information and linkage you see below.  Read on and sample some tracks. Sub Pop Records to release limted edition 4 CD & LP box set of the Aberrant years by feedtime on March 13, 2012 Photo Credit: Caroline Birkett "Interpretation is the master key" – Rick Click here to listen to your favorite feedtime songs according to Mark Arm . It starts around ‘78 or ‘79 in Sydney, Australia. feedtime evolved from this point. There was no “formation,” it just crept through a few people who believed in the same purpose. Rick and Allen met each other in February 1970 and became friends through circumstance and necessity. Both shared a connection to mu...

So, the question is, how do you feel about Death From Above 1979 ? If your response is positive, there’s a good possibility you’ll find something to enjoy via the two-man rock sounds of Indian Handcrafts . The band recently signed to Sargent House and will be releasing the follow-up to their self-titled, self-released debut album in March of 2012. All info comes courtesy of the ever-awesome Us/Them Group. Indian Handcrafts sign to Sargent House, recording new album in March 2012 Canadian power-duo Indian Handcrafts have signed with Sargent House to release their next album. The Toronto band begins recording in Los Angeles this March with engineer Toshi Kasai ( Melvins , Big Business , Red Sparowes ). The album is expected to be released in late 2012. Until then, check out a free MP3 for " Red Action " ( download/stream HERE ) from the band's self-titled 2011 self-released debut ( stream the full album via Bandcamp). Watch the official video for " Red Actio...